The organic apple season for VIP, the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Cooperatives of Val Venosta, is drawing to a close with positive results. The final batches of the harvest will be shipped by mid-August from the packing centre in Castelbello.
Gerhard Eberhöfer, Head of Organic Varieties at VIP, explains: “Last year we faced various challenges due to extreme weather, but we managed to maintain consistent supply and high quality, achieving an increase in domestic sales as well”.
The value of consistency
With around 45,000 tonnes, Val Venosta organic apples have maintained a strong presence across Europe. Germany, the Scandinavian countries and the United Kingdom remain the key markets, while interest is also growing in other parts of Europe, including Italy.
Steady availability during the summer months – a critical period for many producing regions – proved to be a key strength. Eberhöfer notes: “In Val Venosta, the Apple Paradise, favourable soil and climate conditions allow us to turn challenges into
opportunities – chances to improve techniques, variety selection, and market service”.
Flowering strips in an apple planting
The value of consistency
With around 45,000 tonnes, Val Venosta organic apples have maintained a strong presence across Europe. Germany, the Scandinavian countries and the United Kingdom remain the key markets, while interest is also growing in other parts of Europe, including Italy.
Steady availability during the summer months – a critical period for many producing regions – proved to be a key strength. Eberhöfer notes: “In Val Venosta, the Apple Paradise, favourable soil and climate conditions allow us to turn challenges into
opportunities – chances to improve techniques, variety selection, and market service”.
Wider assortment and recovering demand
VIP continues to invest in new innovative varieties such as SweeTango®, Ambrosia™, Kanzi®, Cosmic Crisp®, as well in resilient varieties such as Bonita and Natyra®, supported by newly planted orchards now gradually reaching full production.
Eberhöfer points out: “Each variety will have its own harvest and marketing window, without overlap, following the principle: the right apple at the right time”.
Packaging center in Castelbello at Juval Cooperative
The outlook for the 2025/26 season is also promising
Val Venosta expects a similar level of availability for the fresh market compared to this year, with a slight increase in the volume destined for processing. The objective remains to ensure continuous supply to key markets throughout the next campaign.
Overall, demand for organic apples is showing signs of recovery, with growth estimated between 1% and 5%. In the EU, some major retail chains are expanding their ranges – both in terms of varieties and price positioning – offering entry-level and premium options alongside standard lines.
At the same time, imports from the Southern Hemisphere are declining, a trend that further strengthens the role of European producers such as VIP.
Bio Valvenosta apple variety Natyra
Climate and pests: a daily challenge
Behind the positive results lies the ongoing complexity of managing climate-related issues and plant health.
Among the main challenges are woolly apple aphid – for which a dedicated research project is underway – and limited temperature variation, which affects fruit colouring.
“Not all problems are caused by climate, but they are certainly intensified by it,” Eberhöfer concludes. “Nevertheless, our growers continue to believe in organic farming, offering a product that is tasty, healthy and respectful of the environment”.
Source: Press Office VIP
